Lucy complained of paralysis in her leg that made it impossible for her to work or do household chores. When in the emergency room, she appeared unconcerned with her ailment, and discussed it at great length. She even invited people to come and poke her leg to show that she experienced no sensations. She would most likely be diagnosed with:
A)Somatization disorder.
B)Conversion disorder.
C)Malingering.
D)Hypochondriasis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lucy's symptoms suggest conversion disorder, which involves the manifestation of physical symptoms without an underlying organic cause. The fact that she appears unconcerned and discusses her ailment at great length, seemingly inviting people to test her sensitivity, suggests that her symptoms may be unconsciously motivated by some psychological stressor. Somatization disorder involves the presence of multiple physical symptoms that are not explained by any underlying medical condition, while malingering involves the deliberate production of physical or psychological symptoms for secondary gain. Hypochondriasis involves excessive anxiety and fear of having a serious illness despite evidence to the contrary.

Lucy Complained of Paralysis in Her Leg That Made It